Wiener Walzer (1951)

mini|left|200px|The historical Johann Strauss in an 1835 lithograph. Vienna in the 19th century. Johann Strauss earns his living as a standing violinist in a Viennese wine tavern, and his marriage to Anna is on the verge of falling apart. The cause of their bitter disagreements is the same time and again: their eldest son, Johann Strauss Jr. While the father considers him completely devoid of musical talent and plans a career in the civil service for him, Anna quickly recognizes her son’s great compositional talent. Another source of conflict is the father’s constant infidelity; his latest conquest is Millie Trampusch, a Viennese woman who also inspires him artistically. One day, the composer has a brilliant idea: why not create a piece of dance music in the previously unknown three-quarter time? The Viennese waltz is born! But the people of Vienna are anything but enthusiastic—in fact, the musicians in his orchestra had warned him, and they prove to be right. The public does not take to the new dance, and its creator is booed in public. In this situation, Millie proves to be his salvation. Knowing her Johann well, she shows people how to dance this modern waltz properly, and after a few initial attempts, Strauss’s compositions become a runaway success. Now Strauss the Elder begins his triumphant rise: first he defeats his rival Joseph Lanner in a musicians’ competition, after which Strauss is appointed court music director and tours numerous countries with his compositions. Millie accompanies him on his concert tours to European capitals, but Anna prevents her from marrying him. After years of triumph, the Viennese turn to another, more modern composer: none other than the once-underappreciated Johann Strauss Jr., who successfully challenges his father for the title of uncrowned waltz king. Heavy-hearted, the old man acknowledges that his son is the more talented musician in the family. On his deathbed, father and son Strauss reconcile.